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Home » BLOG » Gatwick Partners With Parallel London To Support The World's First Fully Inclusive Push

Gatwick Partners With Parallel London To Support The World’s First Fully Inclusive Push

Published on : Monday, September 19, 2016

Over 5,000 people attended the push/run and festival

Gatwick aiming to become one of the world’s most accessible airports

First of its kind initiatives such as the hidden disability lanyard helping to make journeys easier

As Britain’s Paralympians go for gold in Rio a team of 30 staff and supporters from Gatwick Airport swapped runway duties for the running track in support of Parallel London – the world’s first fully inclusive push/run held at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

A national celebration of diversity and accessibility, the push/run was part of a family festival ahead of the Rio Paralympics aimed at showcasing the best in accessible attractions, shifting perceptions and bulldozing barriers across technology, culture, children’s entertainment, health and fitness.

The event was attended by over 5,500 people and over 3,000 people participated in the push/run, which was open to all ages and abilities with participants able to take part in the 10km, 5km, 1km or 100m.

Gatwick chose to become an inaugural partner and sponsor of Parallel London through the shared aim of championing inclusivity and accessibility.

Gatwick’s ambition is to become one of the most accessible airports in the world by supporting and assisting passengers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities who may otherwise find it difficult to travel through the airport.

Gatwick Airport Head of Community Engagement, Alison Addy said:
“Gatwick Airport was proud to be an inaugural partner of Parallel London which was an inspiring celebration of equality, accessibility and inclusion.

Our ambition is to become one of the world’s most accessible airports by making air travel accessible and manageable for those with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities so it was great to be a part of such an exciting event.”

Andrew Douglass, Founder of Parallel London said:
“One of the key aims of Parallel is to encourage more active lifestyles and create accessible environments – what better way than through the magic of air travel. The brilliant team at London Gatwick has made an amazing contribution to the success of Parallel London and I have no doubt that they will soon meet their goal to become the world’s most accessible airport.”

Gatwick’s stand included up to date information about travelling through the airport for passengers requiring additional assistance and an opportunity to talk to staff about the tailored support available.

Attendees were also able to have some fun in the Gatwick photo booth and have their picture taken at a range of iconic international destinations, including Rio de Janeiro, which proved particularly popular with participants.

Gatwick has introduced a number of best practice initiatives aimed at raising the service standards for travellers who need more assistance which includes a first of its kind hidden disability lanyard for passengers who may require additional support when travelling through the airport.